13 Best Weekend Trips from San Francisco (2024)
Want to know all the best weekend trips from San Francisco? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
San Francisco is a vibrant city with so much to see and do, but sometimes you just need to escape the hustle and bustle.
Luckily, there are endless places within a few hours’ drive that make for perfect weekend trips.
From scenic coastal towns to wine country escapes to snow capped mountains, San Francisco makes the ideal base for your next weekend road trip.
In this post, we’ll unveil the 13 best weekend trips from San Francisco within a 2-7 hour drive and highlights of the best things to do when you get there!
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Best Weekend Trips From San Francisco Within A 2 Hour Drive
Are you wanting to stay fairly local, but still get outside of the city?
Here are some great weekend trips from San Francisco within a 2 hour drive.
1. San Francisco to Sausalito
Just 25 minutes over the Golden Gate Bridge north of San Francisco is the sleepy town of Sausalito.
Being so close, Sausalito makes for an easy, low key weekend getaway.
Besides driving, you can also get to Sausalito by ferry, or ride your bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Be sure to check out Sausalito’s famous floating homes and dine al fresco out in the sunshine.
My favorites for lunch and dinner are Bar Bocce for Italian and the Joinery for bar food with a twist and large selection of brews.
Both have great views, sitting right on the water.
And check out the Lighthouse Cafe for a great breakfast- but get there early, they get crowded fast!
While in Sausalito visit the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Beach overlook, Muir Woods, and the Marin Headlands for epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Fun fact: You know that song “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding?
Well he sat on a dock here in Sausalito and wrote that song- how cool is that!
Visit the Otis Reddick dock while you’re visiting.
2. San Francisco to Point Reyes
If you like hiking with epic ocean views, you won’t be disappointed going to Point Reyes, located just an hour and a half from San Francisco.
There are quite a few hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore so it makes for a great weekend trip.
One of the best hikes is to Alamere Falls, one of only two waterfalls in California that flows directly into the ocean.
Another great hike is to Tomales Point.
It is 9 miles roundtrip and you’ll have beautiful coastal views the entire time with elk viewing opportunities and wildflowers in the spring.
The Cypress Tree Tunnel makes for a great quick photo op stop, as well as Point Reyes lighthouse.
You also have opportunities to see seals near the lighthouse.
South Beach Overlook is a must-see viewpoint where you can see miles and miles of beach and coastline.
Try to fit this overlook into your weekend trip so you can see it at sunset!
3. San Francisco to Napa Valley
If you’re a wine lover, Napa Valley will be the perfect weekend getaway for you.
Just an hour and a half northeast of San Francisco is Napa Valley, one of the best wine regions in the country.
The picturesque region is home to dozens of vineyards and wineries to enjoy tastings while relishing in the stunning views of the countryside.
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There are a few different towns that make up Napa Valley: Napa, Helena, Calistoga, and Yountville.
The town of Sonoma is close by as well and also has many wineries to choose from.
Visit Buena Vista Winery, the oldest winery in California, originally founded in 1857.
Or visit Castello di Amoroso, an authentic Tuscan style castle and winery.
You could also take a tour in an open air trolley to stop at three different wineries.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Open Air Trolley Today!
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider hopping on a hot air balloon ride over the valley during sunrise or sunset.
You’ll get breathtaking views of the rolling hills and endless vines.
Take the long way back to San Francisco via the coast by heading over to Sonoma Coast State Park.
This is an amazing section of pristine coastline in Northern California, a little over an hour from Napa.
Best Weekend Trips From San Francisco Within A 4 Hour Drive
Are you able to travel a little further and are looking to experience a completely different climate or geography?
Here are some great weekend trips from San Francisco within a 4 hour drive.
4. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
A little over 3 hours east of San Francisco is Lake Tahoe, one of the purest lakes in the world.
Lake Tahoe actually shares half of its shores with Nevada.
It is over 190 square miles and it takes about 3 hours to drive the circumference around the lake.
The color of Lake Tahoe is so unique; its shores are a beautiful light turquoise with the water getting a deeper royal blue farther in.
Visit Tahoe’s crystal clear waters any season for many different outdoor activities.
In the winter you can snowboard and ski at one of the many ski resorts in the area, or go snowshoeing.
In the spring, summer, and early fall, you can enjoy time out on the lake’s waters.
Rent a kayak from Sand Harbor on Tahoe’s East shore to explore all the best beaches.
Kayak to Bonsai Rock, Secret Cove, Chimney Beach, and Secret Harbor beach to soak in all the best views.
Or fully immerse yourself in Tahoe’s pure waters by paddling on a clear kayak tour.
In South Lake Tahoe, watch the sunrise from Emerald Bay or hike to Eagle falls and Eagle lake.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Clear Kayak Tour Of Lake Tahoe Today!
5. San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most amazing places you can visit in all of California, just a 4 hour drive from San Francisco.
You’ll be transported to the land of granite with walls larger than life, high peaks, waterfalls, and giant Sequoias- the biggest trees on Earth.
If you visit during the summer season, be sure to drive up to the Glacier Point overlook.
Here you will get one of the best views the park has to offer with Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the entire valley below you.
Off this road you will also find the 1 mile trail to Taft Point, which makes for an epic sunset view.
If you’re looking for a full day hike, check out Vernal and Nevada Falls on the Mist Trail (6.4 miles & 2200 ft elevation gain) or hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls (6.6 miles & 3200 ft elevation gain).
During the winter you can still hike the Mist Trail or to Lower Yosemite Falls.
You could also join a guided snowshoe hike.
Be sure to catch a sunset at Tunnel View and a sunrise at Valley View, as these are the most easily accessible places in the winter.
6. San Francisco to Mount Shasta
4 hours North of San Francisco lies Mount Shasta, a dormant snow capped stratovolcano.
At over 14,000 feet high it soars above the surrounding landscape.
Mount Shasta is a very spiritual place as well, with many Native Americans believing that it is the center of the universe.
During the warmer months, hike to Heart Lake from Castle Lake (3 miles & 800 ft elevation gain) for picture perfect views of Shasta.
This area is also full of waterfalls, all located within an hour’s drive from Mount Shasta.
Head to Burney Falls, McCloud Falls, Faery Falls, and Mossbrae Falls.
During the winter you can go snowshoeing and skiing at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park.
7. San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located 3 ½ hours Northeast of San Francisco, and about 2 hours South of Mount Shasta.
This underrated National Park has many unique outdoor opportunities, home to 4 types of volcanoes, geothermal pools, and many alpine lakes.
Year round you can head to Manzanita Lake to have a spectacular view of Mount Lassen.
In the summer you can rent kayaks or paddle boards to enjoy the water.
Hike the Cinder Cone trail (4 miles & 850 ft elevation gain) to see a cinder volcano and see the colorful ‘painted dunes’.
Or climb Lassen Peak itself (5 miles & 2000 ft elevation gain) for panoramic views of the park!
Bumpass Hell is a 3 mile trail to visit many geothermal pools, vents, and mud pots.
The hike to Ridge Lakes (2 miles & 800 ft elevation gain) features 2 beautiful turquoise lakes.
In the winter much of the park is closed due to snow but you can still visit Sulphur Works, a hydrothermal area on the grounds of what once was a volcano.
There are also opportunities for snowshoeing.
8. San Francisco to Big Sur
Big Sur is arguably one of the best weekend trips from San Francisco since it isn’t far, and the entire drive is scenic with many pit stops along the way.
It is just a 3 hour drive to reach this section of the world-renowned coastline.
As you make your way down Pacific Coast Highway 101, stop in Half Moon Bay, Shark Fin Cove Beach, Santa Cruz, and the famous towns of Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Going down the 101 you’ll cross Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the state, that is built into the coast.
There are many beautiful pullouts around this area to admire the coastal views.
While in Big Sur be sure to visit some of the many state parks and reserves, such as Point Lobos, Garrapata State Park, and Andrew Molara State Park.
Go to Julia Pfeiffer State Park to hike to McWay Falls, the famous waterfall that spills onto a small deserted beach out into the ocean.
You’ll find the best lighting in this area around golden hour before sunset.
If you’re looking for Redwood trees, the world’s tallest trees- visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Best Long Weekend Trips From San Francisco Within A 7 Hour Drive
Are you really feeling the road trip spirit and can travel quite a bit further?
Here are some great long weekend trips from San Francisco within a 7 hour drive.
9. San Francisco to Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands are a string of 5 unique islands off the coast of Southern California.
To get here, you’ll drive 5 ½ hours South from San Francisco to Ventura where you will take a ferry to the island of your choice.
The most easily accessible islands that are open to tourists year round are Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, and Anacapa Island.
On these islands you’ll find plentiful hiking trails, endemic plant and animal species, and go kayaking into sea caves.
You can easily day trip to one of the islands, or go camping.
Backpacking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature on the islands.
Santa Cruz Island has a backcountry campground with ocean views from your tent!
10. San Francisco to the Lost Coast
Drive the PCH 101 up North to go to one of California’s most unique coastal spots.
The Lost Coast, a 5 hour drive from San Francisco, is a bit out of the way and far from crowded areas so it’s still relatively hidden.
But if you want miles of black sand beaches with pristine and untouched coastline, I think it is really worth the trip up there.
The small town of Shelter Cove is located down a windy road from the 101 and makes for a quiet and peaceful weekend getaway.
If you’re a backpacker, you may want to add the Lost Coast Trail, a 26 mile backpacking hike, to your list.
If you happen to be here January- April, this section of coast makes for great whale watching.
Heading back to San Francisco and have a few hours extra to spare?
Drive down the coast a little bit more to get to Mendocino and Fort Bragg.
Go to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg where you can see loads of sea glass, and head down to Mendocino Headlands State Park for some coastal hiking.
11. San Francisco to Redwood National Park
Drive almost 6 hours North from San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks in Humboldt County.
Being the tallest trees in the world, they grow to heights over 360 feet! Between all the parks that are spaced out, this area spans over 130,000 acres.
Don’t miss the Avenue of the Giants heading up here. It is a beautiful 31 mile drive through the pristine Redwoods.
And stop at Crescent Beach Overlook in Redwood National Park for dreamy coastal views.
In Jedediah Smith Redwoods hike the Stout Grove trail, less than 1 mile round trip, through some of the most beautiful old growth Redwoods in the area.
In Prairie Creek Redwood State Park hike the Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail (2.5 miles, 95 ft elevation gain) to walk straight through a Redwood!
They have carved out a Redwood tree that had fallen over into the trail and it makes for a great experience and photo op.
Fun fact: this area is also known for the most Sasquatch sightings in California!
You’ll pass many themed gift shops and stops along the way.
12. San Francisco to the Southern Oregon Coast
Take a weekend trip from San Francisco to Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor along Oregon’s Southern coast.
This is a truly stunning section of rugged coastline with natural arches and cliffs dotted with trees and covered in moss.
While in Samuel H. Boardman you have to stop at Natural Bridges, one of the most photographed spots on the whole Oregon coast.
Also stop at Secret Beach, China Beach, House Rock Viewpoint, Whaleshead Beach, and Arch Rock.
Arch Rock made for a fantastic sunset spot the evening I spent there.
Cape Ferrelo viewpoint is another great viewpoint accessible by a short 1 mile walk.
If you want to pass through Redwood National and State Parks on your way up there, you would need about 4 days in total.
But between the Redwoods and the dramatic Oregon Coast, this would make for an epic long weekend trip from San Francisco!
13. San Francisco to Crater Lake National Park
The drive to Crater Lake is the longest on the list at 6 ½ hours.
But what makes it one of the best weekend trips from San Francisco is that you don’t need a lot of time in Crater Lake to have a great time.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and the most mesmerizing blue you’ve ever seen!
The lake was formed thousands of years ago from a volcano that collapsed in on itself and is now fed by rain and snow.
Summer is the best time to go to Crater Lake as this is when most of the park will be open and accessible.
With 1-2 days in the park be sure to do the Rim Drive, a 33 mile drive that circles the lake.
You can hike down to the lake itself via the Cleetwood Cove trail (2 miles roundtrip & 700ft elevation gain).
In the winter only the South and West entrances of the park are open.
You can go snowshoeing to still enjoy views of the lake or cross country skiing.
More Fun Things To Do In And Around San Francisco
Are you staying local to San Francisco and looking for fun things to do?
There is so much in San Francisco for everybody.
➡ Visit The Walt Disney Family Museum
The Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the best kept hidden gems in San Francisco.
Even the most avid Disney fans are always shocked to learn that this place exists, let alone in San Francisco.
It’s a really cool walk through the history of Walt Disney’s life, company, and legacy.
➡ The Famous Alcatraz Island Night Tour
There are lots of excursions that take you up to Alcatraz, but only one tour takes you to Alcatraz at night.
You’ll walk through all the main areas of the prison, hear stories about some of the prisoners, and learn about the deepest, darkest secrets of Alcatraz.
➡ The Complete San Francisco Food and Drink Guide
San Francisco is a great city for foodies.
They are obviously known for their clam chowder bread bowls, but there are also some amazing Italian restaurants along Columbus Ave, and the best Chinese food in Chinatown.
➡ Best San Francisco Attractions To Visit
San Francisco has some iconic attractions like Ghirardelli Square and some lesser known favorites like Umbrella Alley.
We spent an entire week vacationing here and still didn’t get to every attraction.
➡ Best Restaurants in San Francisco With A View
With so many hills, it’s easy to find great city views at the local restaurants, as well as bay views from the pier.
There are even some rooftop restaurants where you get the best of both.
Conclusion: Best Weekend Trips From San Francisco
From 2 hours away to as far as 7 hours away, these are the best weekend trips from San Francisco.
All year long you can find great destinations to visit in different climates and for different interests.
